USA > Iowa > Page County > Biographical history of Page County, Iowa, containing portraits of all the presidents of the United States from Washington to Harrison, with accompanying biographies of each; a condensed history of Iowa, with portraits and biographies of the governors of the state; engravings of prominent citizens of Page County, with personal histories of many of the early settlers and leading families; and a concise history of the county, the cities, and the townships > Part 40
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Hepburn I. O. O. F. Lodge, No. 482, was instituted in January, 1885, by six persons. The first officers were: H. Reed, N. G .; C. J. Carlson, V. G .; C. B. McColm, Secretary; S. S. Heady, Treasurer.
The present membership is twenty-seven. The lodge room is at this time over the Tice store building. The 1890 officers are: John Brady, N. G .; A. J. Beavers, V. C .; John W. Moore, Secretary; John Sullivan, Treas- urer.
BUSINESS OF 1890.
C. J. Carlson, general dealer.
J. E. Guild, general dealer.
G. F. Beavers, grocery.
Hasty & Neeley, grocery.
A. W. Spargur, blacksmith.
Woodworth & Pierce, grain dealers.
Drs. Samns, Dodds and Mrs. Carlson, phy- sicians.
396
HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY.
EAST RIVER TOWNSHIP.
CHAPTER XXVII.
AST RIVER Township is located in the easterti tier of the congressional subdivisions of Page County, and is the second township from the sonthern boundary line. It is south of Nebraska Township; west from Taylor County line; north of Buchanan Township, and east of . Harlan Township.
. From north to south its territory is traversed by the sparkling waters of the East and West Nodaway rivers, and derives its name from the first mentioned river. It is also watered along its eastern boundary by the Buchanan Creek, and through its interior by smaller streams.
The surface of the land in this township is beautifully undulating, and the water-courses are skirted by a fine growth of natural tim- ber, embracing nearly all the kinds common to this climate and soil.
The soil is a dark rich loam, from two to three feet in depth, having a firm yellow clay for a subsoil, which prevents what is usually styled "washing." All the grains, grasses, fruits and vegetables grown in this part of the country abound here in abundance, and
are ripened into maturity with almost a cer- tainty. The climate is healthful and in- vigorating. The timber serves as an excel- lent protection in mid-winter, as well as to stop the force of the high winds of the sum- mer months.
This part of Page County was embraced in what was once the disputed territory be- tween Iowa and Missouri, and for many years taxes were levied and collected by both States. This was settled, however, in 1851 in favor of Iowa. When the county was laid off into townships, that now embraced by East River was a part of what is known as Buchanan Township, and so remained until 1861, when the Board of Supervisors changed it, and East River was struck off into a civil town- ship by itself.
EARLY SETTLEMENT.
By careful research it has been found that the first settlement in this township was made in 1843, by Jesse Majors, Robert Staf- ford, Lark and Moses Thompson, and Charles Gaston.
The following year came Jeremiah Teeters and Gideon Dougherty. These men, together with the families of themselves and those just mentioned, made up the pioneer band of
NOTE .- This township history is taken largely from the prize Centennial township history written by U. J. Terry, and read July 4, 1876.
397
HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY.
East River Township, and had to be con- tented with and endnre all the hardships co- incident to those early days. Nearly all the goods consumed by these first settlers had of necessity to be freighted in by team from inarkets sitnated at a long distance, generally from St. Joseph or Marysville, Missouri. It should be remembered that this township was settled abont sixteen years prior to the advent of a single inile of railroad within the State of Iowa.
The Pottawattomie and Musqnankie In- dians were encamped in considerable numbers on both branches of the Nodaway River, as well as along the winding banks of Buchanan Creek, as late as 1854, when they were re- moved to Kanesville, now Council Bluffs. At that date (1854) there were five white families living in what was styled "the forks" in East River Township, and seven families additional in other parts of the town- ship. Counting five persons to each family, it gave · a population of sixty persons in 1854. Six years later (1861) when the town- ship was organized under its present name, it contained a population of 260. Its popu- lation in 1876 was a few less than 900, while at present it contains not far from 1,000.
In 1860 the whole nuniber of acres under cultivation was 5,960. In 1876 we find this almost trebled, there then being 16,000 im- proved. The value of real property in 1860 was assessed at $162,047, and in 1876 it had increased to $372,416.
The value of personal property in 1860 was placed at $48,400, as against $125,410 in 1876.
SCHOOLS.
At the time East River became a township of itself, the advantages for obtaining a good common-school education were by no means excellent, but as times advanced so did her school advantages. In 1876 there were with-
in this township 370 persons between the ages of five and twenty-one, and the average daily school attendance amounted to 176 pupils. There were then eight schools.
David Ribble tanght the first school in East River, in 1852.
RELIGIOUS.
It may in all candor be stated in this con- nection that in no one particular has this peo- ple made more rapid strides than in the mat- ters pertaining to religions worship. In the early times the holy Sabbath was more fre- quently given over to carousing, hunting and fishing. The wild whoop of the Indians, an- swered by their white brothers, were then wont to break the stillness of the quiet Sab- bath, instead of the voice of the man of God. To-day nearly every denomination of Chris- tians are in some manner represented within the limits of the township, many of them having large societies and regular preaching services. The school buildings are usually used for this commendable and holy purpose.
The Methodist Episcopal is thought to be the strongest sect, yet others are large, and among them may be mentioned the denomi- nation of the Church of God.
The first religious services held in the township was at Shambangh's mills, where William Rector preached in the fall of 1851.
THE "BANNER " TOWNSHIP.
It should here be made a matter of imper- ishable record that no township in all Iowa's broad domain shows a better war record than does East River, whose people won the silken banner, for furnishing more supplies and relief to aid the wounded soldiers in the field and to sustain the families they had left at home. Be it remembered that the heroes of Shiloh and Donelson were many of them from East River Township, of Page County,
398
HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY.
Iowa. These men placed themselves between the awful storm of lead hail and the Ameri- can republic, which they had been sworn to protect.
During those days of darkness and be- reavement, the Governor of lowa offered a silk flag to the county that should furnish the most of material supplies and relief for soldiers, and Page County bore away her justly won flag, and East River Township carried off the banner as being the most for- ward of all the townships in the county in that loyal movement.
SHAMBAUGH'S MILLS.
This was the first mill site improved in the county. Mr. Stonebreaker erected a saw- mill here in 1847. Some grinding machin- ery was also put in operation. In 1849 Stonebreaker died, and the following year the
mill passed into the hands of Captain Connor, who soon sold a half to one Reinhart, who later on sold to Philip Boulware, who also bought Connor out and run the mill until 1854, when Gordon & Shambaughi bought the property. In 1857 these gentlemen built a flouring-mill proper. This mill is on the West Nodaway River, from which it derives its power. It is on section 7 of East River Township and about two miles southeast of Clarinda. The river affords a seven-foot head of water. Steam was added in 1888. The saw-mill part was not used after 1870. In 1885 the patent roller system was put in, with a capacity of fifty barrels of flour per day. This mill is known in history as " Stonebreaker's mill," " Boulware's mill," and " Shambaugh's mill." The firm of Gor- don & Shambaugh have been doing business here since 1854-thirty-six years.
HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY.
399
HARLAN TOWNSHIP,
CHAPTER XXVIII.
HIS civil township includes congres- sional township 68 north, range 37 west. When the independent district of Clarinda was formed a small slice was taken out of the northeast corner. Harlan is situated with Nodaway Township on its north; East River on the east; Amity on the south and Lincoln on the west.
Its territory is chiefly rolling prairie land. It rises gradually from the Nodaway River on the east, and descends toward the Tarkio on the west. Sections 9, 16 and 21 are the water shed of the township. The west branch of Mill Creek rises on section 16, and rnn- ning sonthwest passes College Springs on the west. The eastern branch rises on section 21 and runs nearly dne sonth and passes College Springs on the east. "No Business" Creek takes its rise on section 22, running in a southeasterly direction, emptying into the Nodaway River about a mile and a half north of the sonth line of the township. For fear coming generations may wonder at the origin of the above creek's name it may be stated that William McClelland, who lived near the stream, once attenipted to cross it on horseback but got mired; and upon get- ting home his wife asked him what stream he meant, whereupon he said that it had no
name and had no business here, and from that time on it naturally took the name of " No Business " Creek.
Olive Branch heads on section 15 and runs northeast, emptying into the Nodaway River about a mile and one-half south of the north line of the township.
Hntton's Branch rises on section 9 and runs first north of east and then south of east, enter- ing the Nodaway River a little north of Olive Branch. There are smaller streams emptying into the above named streams, furnishing plenty of water for domestic and stock purposes.
Besides the Nodaway timber in the eastern portion of the township, there are groves of timber in other parts. The largest is Lee Grove on sections 10 and 11; also Pinker- ton's on section 27. All of the streams have more or less timber along their borders.
There is a vein of soft coal about two feet thick. Among the banks already opened may be named, Aikin's Ribble's, McLean's and Pinkerton's. Extensive prospecting has proved that no very paying strata of coal are to be found in Page County.
EARLY SETTLEMENT.
Harlan was settled in 1844, by Alexander Lee and by Alexander Tice, " Doc" Franklin
400
HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY.
Parker, Ezra Heady, and Edward Chestnut in 1850. Chestnut was the pioneer who re- marked that if lie could not get more than $2 per hundred for his bacon, he would "sit up nights and eat it himself."
In the summer of 1854 claims were taken by D. P. Robinson, William Whitehill, Rob- ert Young, Thomas Toner, Charles Toner (a son), and John Stevenson. Of this num- ber, Mr. Thomas Toner died March 20, 1884, and Jolin Stevenson moved away a few years ago.
Prior even to the coming of these was Mr. Redferin, who claimed land, later owned by Mr. Annan.
Other carly settlers were: David and F. H. Muller, Lewis Conner, W. G. Moreland, John Brown, Robert Murphy, David Porter, Sam- uel Pinkerton and William McClelland. The last named carne October 17, 1854, and located where he still lives, on section 25. John . Griffithi was among the pioneers; his son Isaac served in the Union army, was taken ill and got within a few miles of his home, when he died at the house of Abe Nixon.
Messrs. Toner, Whitehill, Wilson and Mc- Clelland were of the original membership of the Reformed Presbyterian Church. Mr. McClelland is the only male member now living here of that band.
Elijah Scholes came in and settled on sec- tion 25, in 1855. " Nine" Butler settled on section 36, at a very early day.
Robert Young, now of Clarinda, came to Harlan Township in 1854. Also Archie Rodgers, the same year, who soon went West. William and Jacob Butler came in 1856. William Butler was the first to make a home on the prairie, four miles out from timber, on section 30. He thought he would go into stock-growing, and believed that he would be off by himself for many years, but it was not long until he was surrounded on every hand.
From the close of the war settlement was effected very rapidly.
FIRST EVENTS-FATALITIES, ETC.
The first death, as now recalled by pioneer William McClelland, was his son Willie, who passed from earth's scenes in the fall of 1855.
Among the first marriages were those of Robert Young to Sarah Whitehill, and James H. Wilson to Miss Esther Toner.
The first to preach the gospel was Rev. Joseph McCracken, of the Reformed Presby- terian faith.
The first school-house was of logs, built in 1856.
William McLean, a pioneer, met with a fatal accident in 1889. He was at a near neighbor's, who was pulling stumps by a horse stump-pnller, and Mr. McLean was standing just behind the sweep or lever to which the teams were attached. The horses were pull- ing every pound they could, when the clevis broke and the tension of the machine sud- denly collapsed, the sweep coming with great violence against his legs, breaking both of them below the knee and throwing him with fearful force over on his chest, injuring him abont the Inngs. Blood poison soon set in and he died.
SCHOOLS.
The people have ever manifested a marked degree of intelligence in this portion of the county, and have been fully up to the stand- ard in school matters. The first school-house was built of logs in 1856, in District No. 1. Thomas Toner, Aaron Wilson and William Whitehill were the chief builders. These gentlemen were all from Lee County, lowa. Many of the most substantial fariners in Har- lan Township caught the graduates of that old log school-house, and they have indeed made good wives. In 1867, the old log house gave place to a frame building, and that be-
401
HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY.
coming too small the present large and com- modious house was erected in 1877. It is a frame building, having a study room, a reci- tation-room and a lunch and cloak-room. It was at tlre time the best school-house in Page County for a country district.
Fairview school-house was built in 1857. This district included what is now Nos. 5 and 6. The house was located on the northeast quarter of section 28, near William C. Brown's residence. In 1868 the district was divided, and Mentor and Pleasant Ridge districts formed, and good buidings provided in each, which were 22 x 26 feet.
Tlie McNutt school-house was built in 1871, that district thien embraced what is now Nos. 3 and 4. It is now No. 2.
At present, January 1, 1890, the township is provided with six school-houses, and has an enrollment of 442 pupils.
RELIGIOUS.
Reformed Presbyterian Congregation of Clarinda, styled " Covenanters," is one of the religions denominations of Harlan Town- ship. For its full history, the reader may consider himself indebted to the Rev. David McKee, who principally compiled the follow- ing:
This congregation was organized December 17, 1855, with thirty-four members. Since its organization there have been received into its membership 395 persons, making a grand total of 429 members. Sixty-eight of this number have died; 196 have been properly dismissed to form new congregations, or enter those already organized; sixteen to form inis- sionary stations; ten have left the bounds of the congregation, leaving a present member- ship of 149.
There have been 355 persons baptized in the congregation since its first organization;
178 males and 177 females. Of the baptized, twenty-eight have died.
The officers of the congregation have been: First pastor, Rev. Joseplı McCracken, or- dained and installed October 29, 1856. He remained two years and in 1858 accepted a call at St. Louis. The present pastor, Rev. David Mckee, preached for this people in 1859 and finally accepted a call from them to become their pastor, which labor he com- menced March 17, 1861.
The following elders have served: William Whitehill and Robert L. Wright, ordained December 17, 1855; James Hutchison and James H. Wilson, ordained February 3, 1859; James Linn,' Robert Gilmore and James Caskey, ordained December 21. 1865; James Neil, Joseph McElroy, William J. Connery, ordained February 8, 1870; Jolın C. Glas- gow, John C. Aikin, Isaac B. Caskey and Charles Toner, ordained Jannary 10, 1878; David G. McKee, February 15, 1883.
The deacons have been: Thomas Toner, John M. Stevenson, ordained December 17, 1855; William R. Tippen and Samuel Hutchinson, ordained February 3, 1859; Alexander McKeown, Win. G. Moreland and Robert Ewing, December 21, 1865; William A. Wright, George W. Scholles and Joseph Caskey, ordained January 11, 1877; Samuel Pinkerton and William Glasgow, ordained February 15, 1883.
The present officials (January 1, 1890) are: James Linn, James Caskey, James Neil, John C. Glasgow, Isaac B. Caskey and Da- vid G. McKee, elders; William G. Moreland, Alexander McKeown, George W. Scholles, William K. Glasgow and Joseph F. Caskey, deacons.
Church Buildings .- For many years pri- vate dwellings and school-houses were em- ployed as places for public worship. Soon after the first members settled they erected a
402
HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY.
log school-house, which also served as a meet- ing house. In 1860 the congregation erected a frame building, which served until 1866, when it was found too small and the present large, well planned edifice was built. It is a frame structure 40 x 60 feet. It has a gallery 10 x 40 feet over the vestibule. It easily seats 500 persons. It is located in Harlan Township, four and one-half miles south- west of Clarinda and about seven miles northeast of College Springs. Most of the membership reside on farms near the church and in Harlan Township.
The congregation has a good Sabbath school of 240 members and supports a Woman's Christian Temperance Union and a Young Women's Cliristian Temperance Union, be- sides a Ladies' Missionary Society.
The doctrinal principles of this sect are the same as those held in common with other churches bearing the name Presbyterian. They hold tlie Bible to be the supreme rule of faith and practice and also that the teach- ings of the same is summarized in the West- minster Confession of Faith. They differ from the other denominations in the prac- tical application of their principles to the civil institutions of the country. They be- lieve that civil government is an ordinance of God, ordained for man's good, placed un- der subjection to Christ and under obligation to take the moral law as taught by Christ. That this nation in its Constitution ought to acknowledge God as the primary source of all authority. They believe our forefathers when framing the Constitution made two serious mistakes. First, in legalizing human elavery. Second, it laid the foundation of Government on men instead of God. While they believe in the main our national Con- stitution to be right, they greatly regret that God is not more clearly acknowledged as the supreme ruler. By reason of man being the
law-making power, this sect claims that tlie postal and interstate commerce laws are con- trary to God's Sabbath laws. For this reason the members of this sect cannot consciell- tiously vote for representatives who are to be sworn to uphold such laws. They claim to love their country more than others in that they deny themselves this right of suffrage, hoping the nation "may see the error of their ways and incorporate God into its Constitution.
The history of this denomination would fail of being complete unless its war record be mentioned. Situated near the dividing line between slavery and freedom, it early took part in the defense of the right side. No congregation in Page County, perhaps not in all Iowa, in proportion to its numbers, furnished as large a number of volunteers. When the word came on Sabbath morning that Bedford was being threatened by in- vaders, the pastor announced the news from the pulpit and asked the men to go home, take their guns and proceed to that point at once. All, save a few men too old and feeble, went and the good women at once formed themselves into a commissary department and sent a wagon load of provisions.
The years from 1861 to 1866 were full of anxious cares to the mothers and wives in this congregation; some had their only son in the ranks, while others had two and some three sons in the Union army.
These times of trial had a bright as well as a dark side. Harlan Township seemed nearer to Clarinda than now; and when the women met to make garments for the Chris- tian Commission, the inen usually accom- panied them; and any gathering that had Antony Loranz and James D. Hawley in it was certain to be lively!
MENNONITES.
This peculiar sect have two societies, hold- ing services at two school-houses, one in Har-
403
HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY.
lan and one in Amity Township. They number about thirty persons. They are non- resistant and take no part in politics. They have similar belief to the Quaker-Baptist people. They make most excellent citizens, and are a self-sacrificing people, in that their membership, wlien called upon to give up home or religious belief, choose the latter as the most valuable to themn.
"PAGE COUNTY MILLS."
This milling plant is situated on the west bank of the West Nodaway River, about six miles south of Clarinda, and on section 36 of Harlan Township, in the town of Sham- baugh. Its early history is that in 1858-'59 a man named Richardson erected a saw-mill at this point which was propelled by the waters of the West Nodaway River. It passed through different men's hauds, and a man named String, in company with another man, sold the inill to James Shambangli, who added a small grinding concern which he ran until 1883, when the mill was rebuilt and the patent process-"roller system "- was placed in operation, having a daily capac- ity of fifty barrels of flour. In 1888 steam power was added to the water power, which in some extreme seasons fails for power.
THE VILLAGE OF SHAMBAUGH.
This place is the first station soutli of Cla- rinda, on tlie line of the Chicago, Burlington & Quincy Railway. It is located on the west bank of the West Nodaway River, ou section 36 of Harlan Township. At about this point Nodaway Mills postoffice was estab- lished at quite an early day, but no effort was inade to start a town until about the time of the building of the railway. It was in Octo- ber of 1881 that James Shambaugh and wife platted a part of section 36, and at once lots were offered for sale. The first day fifty town
lots were sold. The advent of the iron horse gave all a new life, and quite a little village sprang up at once.
The first to sell goods here was the firm of Bracken & McLean, in 1878. They were in a store-room down near the mill: before the town was laid out. . After three years the building was moved by its owner, James Shambaugh, to the newly platted town, and is now known as the "town hall" building.
John Tabor, who now lives on a farm near the village, operated Shambaugh's, then known as "Nodaway mills," and he kept a stock of tobacco and other staples, which he sold to the customers of the mill, hence he sold the first goods in the place. The post- office was also at the niill originally. Will- iam McLean, of Bracken & McLean, was the next postmaster. He was accidentally killed in 1889 while working a stump-puller upon his farm north of the village. D. Claytor was the uext postmaster; he held until Octo- ber, 1889, when C. T. Cox was appointed. Mr. Cox bought an interest in the general store of W. L. McLean in 1883, and is now connected with the store of D. Heidlebaugh.
The first hardware was sold by Ham & Potter, about 1882.
The first to deal in drugs was Potter & Large, who built a store in 1888, and em- barked in trade.
The grain men have all been commission men, no elevator having been built. One year there was 80,000 bushels of corn bought at this point.
Among the blacksmithis who have stood beside the forge at this hamlet may be named Messrs. Rumsey, Jim Brown, C. H. Herry- inan, and J. F. Hay, the present blacksmith.
George Crabb operated a harness shop here about a year, but left in the fall of 1889.
The business of the little liamlet is at present about as follows:
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HISTORY OF PAGE COUNTY.
General Dealers-D. Heidlebangh, Gray & Clayter, F. S. Beerv.
Hardware-G. W. Thorne.
Drugs-Potter & Large.
Hotel and Feed Barn-M. Woodruff. Blacksmiths-J. F. Hay. James Ray.
Meat Market-L. F. Rouse.
"Page County Roller Mill"-Shambaugh & Son.
CHURCHES.
There are three religious denominations represented in the place, all of which possess good buildings. They are the Methodist, Church of God, and the Brethren of Christ.
The Church of God was organized about 1870. They had no church edifice until 1884, when they built a fine brick church, costing $3,000. It is 40 x 56 feet. About ten years ago a parsonage was built, which was subsequently sold and the funds went toward the new church.
At one time this society numbered over 100 members, but at present has decreased to a very few active members.
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